Released on March 22, 2019
A new Community Recovery Team (CRT) in North Battleford is now providing intensive supports in the community for people living with complex, persistent mental health challenges. The Government of Saskatchewan has provided $4.2 million in targeted funding to launch a Community Recovery Team in North Battleford and seven other Saskatchewan communities.
“This Community Recovery Team is an important step forward in our government’s commitment to improving mental health services,” The Battlefords MLA Herb Cox said on behalf of Health Minister Jim Reiter. “This important service provides intensive care in the community, and connects clients with the supports they need to manage their mental health challenges and avoid hospitalization.”
CRTs use a holistic and mobile team-based approach to help clients manage symptoms, achieve their goals, avoid hospitalization, and thrive in the community. The 10-person North Battleford team includes an Assessor Co-ordinator Team Lead, six Mental Health Nurses, one Social Worker, one Continuing Care Aid and one Addictions Counsellor.
“We are very excited to be able to offer this type of support to the North Battleford area,” Saskatchewan Health Authority Primary Health Care Executive Director Vikki Smart said. “We know that delivery services to people in their homes, communities and amongst their family and friends are very effective.”
CRTs support Saskatchewan’s Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan and have also been launched in Regina, Prince Albert, Swift Current, Yorkton, Weyburn, Moose Jaw and Saskatoon.
Funding comes from the Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Funding Agreement announced in January 2017. The federal government is providing Saskatchewan with close to $350 million over 10 years for targeted incremental investments in home and community care and mental health and addiction services.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Shelley Svedahl
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: shelley.svedahl@health.gov.sk.ca
Amanda Purcell
Saskatchewan Health Authority
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3476
Email: Amanda.Purcell@saskhealthauthority.ca